The Partridge Family Cast: Where Are They Now? Shocking Health Battles, Secret Careers, And Tragic Losses In 2025

The Partridge Family, the iconic musical sitcom that captured the hearts of a generation from 1970 to 1974, remains one of the most beloved television families in history. More than five decades after their final bus ride, the lives of the cast members have taken dramatically different and often surprising turns, marked by enduring fame, profound personal challenges, and heartbreaking loss.

As of late 2025, the surviving members of the Partridge clan are navigating new chapters, from managing serious health crises to enjoying quiet retirements and even forging unexpected careers in the music business behind the scenes. This deep dive reveals the current status of the cast, including the major health updates, the tragic deaths, and the surprising post-Hollywood careers of the actors who brought the musical family to life.

The Partridge Family: Complete Cast Biography and Current Status (2025)

The original cast of *The Partridge Family* included seven main actors, with two different actors playing the role of Chris Partridge.

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• Shirley Jones (Shirley Partridge): Born March 31, 1934 (Age 91). An Oscar-winning actress before the show, she remains active in the industry and public life.
• David Cassidy (Keith Partridge): Born April 12, 1950. The ultimate 70s teen idol. Passed away on November 21, 2017, at age 67.
• Susan Dey (Laurie Partridge): Born December 10, 1952 (Age 72). Her career soared post-*Partridge Family* with a starring role in *L.A. Law*.
• Danny Bonaduce (Danny Partridge): Born August 13, 1959 (Age 66). A long-time radio personality whose life has been marked by public ups and downs.
• Suzanne Crough (Tracy Partridge): Born March 6, 1963. Passed away unexpectedly on April 27, 2015, at age 52.
• Brian Forster (Chris Partridge #2): Born April 14, 1960 (Age 65). Replaced the original actor after the first season and pursued a career outside of acting.
• Jeremy Gelbwaks (Chris Partridge #1): Born May 22, 1961 (Age 64). The original Chris who left the show early and never returned to acting.

Danny Bonaduce’s Shocking Health Battle and Brain Surgery

One of the most significant and recent updates for any cast member involves Danny Bonaduce, who played the wisecracking middle child, Danny Partridge.

The former child star, who successfully transitioned into a long career as a radio personality, recently faced a major health crisis. In recent years, Bonaduce was diagnosed with a neurological disorder called hydrocephalus, commonly known as "water on the brain."

The condition, which involves a buildup of fluid in the brain, led to a decline in his motor skills and balance. In a major life decision, Bonaduce underwent brain surgery to address the issue. The procedure involved placing a shunt to drain the excess fluid.

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Bonaduce has been open about his recovery journey, demonstrating his characteristic resilience and humor. He has also become an advocate, joining the fight to raise global awareness for Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH). His focus in late 2025 is on recovery and adjusting to life post-surgery, including selling his Seattle home as he focuses on his health.

The Tragic Deaths of David Cassidy and Suzanne Crough

The Partridge Family has suffered two heartbreaking losses, both of which came too soon and shocked fans across the globe.

David Cassidy (Keith Partridge)

David Cassidy, who played the eldest son and lead singer Keith Partridge, became a global teen idol overnight, a phenomenon that often overshadowed the rest of the show.

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Cassidy struggled with the immense pressure and the lasting effects of his fame for decades. His later years were marked by financial difficulties and an ongoing battle with substance abuse.

In 2017, Cassidy announced he had been diagnosed with non-alcohol-related dementia, a condition that his mother and grandfather also battled. He passed away on November 21, 2017, at the age of 67, due to organ failure. His legacy as a 70s pop culture icon and a gifted performer remains undiminished.

Suzanne Crough (Tracy Partridge)

Suzanne Crough, who played the youngest daughter, Tracy, known for her adorable pigtails and tambourine, was the first of the main children to pass away.

Crough died unexpectedly in her Nevada home in 2015 at the age of 52. While initial reports were vague, the official cause of death was later revealed to be arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD). This is a rare form of cardiomyopathy, a heart muscle disease, that often causes sudden cardiac death in young adults. She had largely stepped away from Hollywood, raising a family and working as a manager for an office supply company.

Where Are They Now? The Quiet Retirements and Unexpected Careers

The remaining cast members have pursued lives far different from their musical family bus tours, with some finding success in new fields and others opting for complete privacy.

Shirley Jones (Shirley Partridge)

The undisputed matriarch of the family, Shirley Jones, was already an Academy Award winner for *Elmer Gantry* before she took the role of Shirley Partridge.

Now in her 90s, Jones remains one of the most respected figures in Hollywood. As of 2025, she has continued to take on roles, including playing a grandmother in recent films, and has been involved in various public activities. She has embraced her legacy and often speaks fondly of her time on the show, though she acknowledges the challenges David Cassidy faced.

Susan Dey (Laurie Partridge)

Susan Dey, who played the intellectual older sister Laurie, had one of the most successful acting careers after the show.

She starred in the hit drama *L.A. Law* from 1986 to 1992, earning a Golden Globe Award for her role as Grace Van Owen. However, after a successful run in television, Dey chose to step away from the spotlight almost entirely. She is known for her private nature and has famously declined to participate in any *Partridge Family* reunions. As of 2025, she is reportedly living a happy, quiet life with her second husband, television producer Bernard Sofronski.

The Two Chris Partridges: Brian Forster and Jeremy Gelbwaks

The role of the drummer, Chris Partridge, was played by two different actors. Jeremy Gelbwaks was the original Chris, but he was replaced after the first season. Gelbwaks’ family moved out of the Los Angeles area, leading to his exit. He never returned to acting, instead pursuing a career in technology and business after earning degrees from UC Berkeley and Columbia University. In a surprising twist, Gelbwaks is now an owner of MidCitizen Entertainment, a New Orleans-based artist management company, working with major artists like Big Freedia and Tank & The Bangas.

Brian Forster took over the role for the remaining three seasons. After the show, Forster pursued a passion that was far removed from the stage: he became a professional racing car driver. He has also been involved in various other business and creative pursuits, occasionally appearing at fan conventions to celebrate the show's enduring appeal.